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Used test: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Discovery Sport verdict
The Audi Q5 is one of our favourite used large SUVs, but could the more practical Land Rover Discovery Sport or fine-driving BMW X3 dethrone it?...
Our verdict
Experience the Land Rover Discovery Sport in isolation and you'll be pretty smitten. Its strong engine and rugged off-road ability impress, plus it's your only choice if seven seats are a must-have. However, in the company of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, it struggles to keep up. Not literally, because it's the most powerful car here, but in the sense that its flaws become more obvious. It's less composed and refined to drive, as well as less efficient. Its poor reliability record is a concern, too.
Which is superior out of our other two contenders is a much closer call, but in the end it's the Q5 that is our winner. The X3 does have a top-notch infotainment system and a fun driving experience – the most enjoyable here – but the Q5 is more relaxing to drive, plus it has a classier interior and a bigger boot. It's incredibly accomplished and, in the used large SUV class, it remains the very best money can buy.
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1st – Audi Q5
For Smoothest engine; classiest interior; tidy handling; comfiest ride; biggest boot
Against Gearbox jerky in traffic; can be tricky to find a used example with the right options on it
What Car? says Five out of five stars
Read the full used Audi Q5 review >>
Find used Audi Q5 for sale >>
2nd – BMW X3
For Smart interior; rewarding handling; superb infotainment; smooth gearbox
Against Slightly grumbly engine
What Car? says Five out of five stars
Read the full used BMW X3 review >>
Find used BMW X3 for sale>>
3rd – Land Rover Discovery Sport
For Seven seats; most rear leg room; well equipped; strong performance; sweet steering
Against Least composed ride; gruff engine; hesitant gearbox; high running costs
What Car? says Three out of five stars
Read the full used Land Rover Discovery Sport review >>
Find used Land Rover Discovery Sport for sale>>
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
Power 187bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.0sec
Top speed 135mph
Fuel economy 56.4mpg (NEDC official average)
CO2 emissions 133g/km
BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
Power 187bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.1sec
Top speed 132mph
Fuel economy 54.3mpg (NEDC official average)
CO2 emissions 138g/km
Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 SD4 HSE
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
Power 237bhp
Torque 369lb ft
0-60mph 7.9sec
Top speed 127mph
Fuel economy 44.1mpg (NEDC official average)
CO2 emissions 169g/km
